TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flame Red and the KTT Hyacinth are two mechanical keyboard switches that have distinct features and appeal. The Flame Red switches are renowned for their stunning light diffuser, making them the perfect choice for those looking for a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, users can expect a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches stand out for their unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to ensure a comfortable typing experience, avoiding the common issue of hard bottoming-out that occurs with longer-stem switches. Additionally, the Hyacinth switches deviate from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring instead of a dual-stage one. This choice results in a more consistent force curve. However, let's delve deeper and explore these switches beyond their generalities so that you can make an informed decision on which is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Hyacinth switches are quite distinct. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, while the Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials results in a noticeable difference in sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Hyacinth produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. Additionally, the Hyacinth's translucent polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for those seeking aesthetically pleasing lighting options.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Hyacinth employ nylon as their material of choice. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, regardless of whether it is paired with a nylon or polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, in terms of sound, the bottom housings of both switches will offer similar results.
It is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the resulting sound profile will be affected differently depending on the actions performed. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, which impact the bottom-out sound and feel, become more prominent. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the qualities of the top housing. Therefore, while both the Flame Red and the Hyacinth share similarities in their nylon bottom housings, any differentiation in top housing materials will affect the overall sound experience, especially when it comes to the key release sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, their actuation forces are identical, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Hyacinth has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that the Hyacinth provides a slightly stronger push feel compared to the Flame Red.
Considering weight in the context of typing and gaming preferences, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Flame Red more suitable for their needs. With its lower bottom out force, these individuals can type for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued. This makes it ideal for those bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions.
However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may lean towards the Hyacinth. Its slightly higher bottom out force offers this added feedback, giving a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Flame Red has a lighter bottom out force, making it the lighter option overall. Alternatively, the Hyacinth provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we can see that the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a moderate depth that many users find comfortable. On the other hand, the Hyacinth's 3.5 mm travel distance is on the shorter side, appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you value a more responsive keystroke, the Hyacinth with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper keystroke that provides a sense of stability and deliberation, the Flame Red with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both switches have their own advantages, and the decision ultimately comes down to individual preferences for either a shorter and quicker keystroke or a longer and more deliberate one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Hyacinth switches are described as neutral, which means they have a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and regardless of whether you plan to use them at home or at work. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches are described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches provides a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches are described as silky and subtle. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance of these switches provides a light typing feel, and their sound signature is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Considering all the available information, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They have a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various uses. The Flame Red switches provide a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, along with a polished and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches have a 3.5mm travel distance to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience, offer a silky and smooth typing experience, and have a subtle resistance.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and KTT Hyacinth switches offer their own unique features and qualities. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can choose between the weighty smoothness and clacky sound of the Flame Red or the silky smoothness and subtle resistance of the Hyacinth. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with these high-quality linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Flame Red switch is best known for its visuals, with a dazzling light diffuser that makes it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. It also offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which prevents a hard bottoming-out experience and aims to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. The Hyacinth also deviates from the mainstream trend by using a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Hyacinth provides a silky and subtle feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize visual aesthetics and a weighty feel (Flame Red) or a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance (Hyacinth).
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